Geelong Rangers 2013 Champions

By Mark Humphrey

 Geelong Rangers celebrate in the sunshine.

The Geelong Rangers Sporting Complex was once again the scene of the FFV Geelong Region Division 1 Men’s Final between top team the Geelong Rangers and young hopefuls the Deakin Ducks.

The Geelong Rangers were the more fancied team to win the final having many of their players previously compete at a higher level. For the Ducks the tactic was simple, run, run, run and even run some more.

In perfect Spring weather the game kicked off in typical fashion with both teams attacking aggressively. The Rangers drew 1^st blood with a free kick taken by Troy Hardy which went high and wide.

The contest quickly turned into a game of defence with both teams holding firm in the back half. The Rangers were able to open up the Ducks defence with a well-executed cross by striker Andy Husband to Hardy. Hardy just couldn’t get a handle on the pass and the 1^st real scoring opportunity for the Rangers went begging.

Minutes later the Rangers cleared the ball from their defensive area down the centre of the ground. A bouncing ball was controlled by Rangers striker Husband who had the Ducks keeper Shaun Moloney bearing down on him. A deft little diversion on the ball by Husband had him running into an open goal where he simply tapped the ball into the back of the net to open up the Ranger’s account. With 25 gone in the 1^st half the Rangers led 1-0.

​Striker Andy Husband starts the celebration ritual after scoring the game's only goal.

Deakin bounced straight into attack on the resumption of play and were awarded a free. A quick pass to forward Colby Hart had him clear with a shot on goal that soared over the top of the net. A follow up long attempt by Jim Koldas went wide of the mark. Although both attempts missed the mark it was encouraging for the Ducks and with a bit more precision the game could quite easily have been tied up.

Meanwhile up the other end of the pitch Ranger’s striker Andy Husband was causing all sorts of headaches for the Deakin defence with his elusive footwork and ball control. It just looked like a matter of time before the Rangers would strike again. With a corner to the Rangers at the 32 minute mark Deakin looked vulnerable. Deakin were able to clear the corner kick but found themselves under pressure again with another Rangers attack. In what was a great attacking sequence by the Rangers the Ducks were up to it and able to defend every attacking move by Geelong.

Ranger’s striker Husband received a yellow although from the sidelines he looked to be fouled while attacking the ball. Deakin quickly moved the ball on and set up substitute Tom Denton with a golden opportunity to score. Denton struck the ball well and it was only an outstretched Bonifacio that deflected what looked to be Deakin’s first goal. Deakin followed up the attempt with some aggressive attacking only to see the Rangers clear the ball from the danger zone.

Deakin’s Noah Trickett was given a yellow for his tackle on Rod Vanderclays. The resultant free kick is knocked out by the Ducks for a Rangers corner. The kick in goes wide of the goal allowing Deakin to clear the area.

Half time whistle blows with the Geelong Rangers leading the Deakin Ducks 1-0.

On the resumption of play the Ducks Troy Harrison is very active in the forward half and providing plenty of run for the Ducks. A long shot by the Ducks Colby Hart is barely deflected over the top by Bonifacio. Clearly the best opportunity for the Ducks so far in the match is once again kept out by some brilliant goal keeping from Bonifacio.

Shortly after the Rangers through a perfectly placed cross by Hardy come close to scoring again with a header from striker Husband that drifts wide of the post. Husband had Ducks goalie Shaun Moloney out of position and could have quite easily had his second goal of the day. The Rangers followed up with a couple more attacking moves and goal attempts which were easily kept out by Moloney. Deakin starting to look hurried were shooting from long range on occasion with no affect. A Deakin corner is headed just wide of the post demonstrating to all spectators that the game was still very much alive. A handball by the Rangers gave the Ducks a penalty kick. The penalty kick was perfect and beat the outstretched arms of Bonifacio only to be the barest of margins wide. The attempt demonstrated that with just a touch of luck the Ducks could be right back into the match.

Rangers back on the attack see Hardy with the ball just outside the goal territory. A flick pass to Husband is just a touch strong and is easily cleaned up by Moloney. Rangers keep hustling in their forward territory and good work by Darren McCallum sets up Dale Harris in front of goal barely a metre out. His flick goes wide of the post but demonstrated that the Rangers were hungry for another goal.

With time ticking away both teams lifted their work rates with Deakin running their more experienced opponents ragged with hard running. An attempted tackle on Bonifacio held up play for a period while Bonifacio gathered himself.

With 20 minutes left in the game the Rangers once again had created scoring opportunities. First Harris had an open shot on goal that went wide followed by 2 more genuine attempts by the Rangers to score all within minutes of each other.

Some fancy ball work by the Ducks Chris De Hoog  sees him with a strong shot on goal that is deflected away by the Ranger’s defence. The resultant Ducks corner is nearly put in the net for an own goal by the Rangers defender Dave Ellis. A simple clearing pass by Ellis goes backwards and just sails over the top of the Deakin goal. Deakin follow up with several forward attacking plays by Harrison, Priest and Koldas.

Rangers counter attack and forward Troy Hardy has the Deakin defence scrambling to keep him out. A hard look away strike lands directly into the mid-section of the Ducks stationary goalie Shaun Moloney. Golden opportunity goes begging but Hardy wasn’t done with yet. A pass to Robinson from Hardy has him shooting on goal. A good save once again by Moloney demonstrates how important both goal keepers have been in the match.

Deakin has 1 last real chance with a penalty for a Rangers handball. The strike goes high over the bar and gives the Rangers control of the ball.

Ref Mal Bosnjak blows full time to signal the end of the game. The win for the Geelong Rangers caps off a good year where they finished the regular season on top and deservedly were the best team all year. For the Ducks it was a year that promised so much and delivered everything for the young chargers.

Deakin manager Colin Raj in his acceptance speech as runner up commented on how the Rangers had their measure in all 3 encounters this year. He congratulated the Rangers and thanked his young team for the never say die attitude.

Ducks coach Colin Raj

The Rangers coach and player Brian Conn praised the Ducks for their effort and the fact that they run the Rangers off their legs. Jokingly he went on to thank his committee for their youth policy saying that their youngest player was about 36. He praised his players and the club for the commitment they showed all season.

Rangers coach Brian Conn accepts the spoils.

With the conclusion of speeches the curtain came down on the FFV Geelong Winter season. For Deakin a runners-up pennant goes with the champions pennant the div 1 girls won yesterday.

No doubt the celebrations will kick on late into the evening at both venues.

Images of the days action.

Deakin Ducks FFV 

                          Geelong Women’s Champs.

FFV Geelong Womens Div 1 winners - Deakin Ducks.

By Mark Humphrey

On a warm September day in Geelong the Football Federation Victoria Geelong Division 1 Women’s final between the Deakin Ducks and Barwon FC was conducted at Myers Reserve in front of very enthusiastic supporters from both sides.

In what was billed pre-match as an epic encounter between the two top sides the spectators were looking for a classic final and the girls did not let them down.

With the two teams having met in the last round of the season to determine the pennant the result could have gone either way today with both teams having excellent strikers backed up by a solid defence.

The game opened up with both teams attacking the goals and putting their respective defences under enormous pressure. Deakin drew first blood less than 5 minutes into the game when striker Maddie Le Gow scored from the right side of the posts to give the Ducks a 1-0 lead.

Ducks celebrate after Maddie Le Gow scores

Not to be outdone Barwon pushed forward immediately after the re-start with Steph Durran crossing to Bec Wells. Wells the gun striker for Barwon had already found the net on 32 occasions throughout the season and once again had the ball in the back of the net.

 Ducks could not prevent the Wells strike.

After 8 minutes of play the game was tied up at 1 all. Obviously the defences of both teams needed to take control of the match to stop the onslaught of scoring.

A wayward kick by Deakin had Barwon setting up for a corner. Deakin defended the shot well and cleared the ball only to have Wells cross to Hannah Troop for a long range shot which went wide.

While Wells was looking dangerous in front of the net for Barwon, Le Gow up the other end was causing havoc for the Barwon defence. Some impressive footwork by Le Gow had her go past the Barwon keeper only to go wide of the posts and miss a golden opportunity to score yet again. This was the first time in 10 minutes that Deakin had entered the forward area and although Le Gow had missed the shot the preparation by the Deakin forwards was impeccable. Barwon went on the counter attack immediately and were pushing forward when match ref Ollie Grygorvan halted proceedings and handed Deakin #9 Romani Leech a yellow card for an illegal substitution.

20 minutes gone in the first half and a cross to Wells has her setting up for another attempt on goal for Barwon with a strong strike which once again was kept out by the Deakin defence. By now both defensive units were starting to get on top making scoring opportunities a premium.

Deakin had a scoring opportunity 8 minutes later with a corner. Great defensive work by Rea and Troop kept the ball out of the Deakin scoring range only to have a long range attempt by Deakin whistle past the posts for a near miss.

Deakin was awarded a corner at the 33^rd minute and again at the 39^th minute after a dangerous cross by Le Gow was kicked clear by the Barwon defence. Just as Barwon had done in the first part of the match, Deakin was now controlling the match constantly going into attack and setting up for scoring opportunities. Hannah Gordon and Lucy Johnston were looking dangerous for the ducks setting up many of the offensive plays with aggressive running.

Ducks Captain Rachael Thompson was used strategically on kick ins for breaking runs down the sidelines opening up the forward area and providing Le Gow with plenty of opportunities.

A cross by Leonie Tavrou has superstar Ducks striker Le Gow putting one into the left hand side of the box to give the Deakin Ducks a 2-1 lead approaching half time.

The resumption of play after the break had both teams lifting the tempo with plenty of aggression being showed by both teams. You could feel the urgency in the game as both teams were desperate to dictate terms.

A yellow was awarded to the Deakin livewire Hannah Gordon just after the resumption of play much to the delight of the Barwon spectators. Last week the Duck pond resonated all over the park with their support of the ducks but this week they had to take the back seat to the Barwon gallery. Soon after, Gordon was substituted accompanied by cheering from the Barwon sidelines. The atmosphere from the sidelines was electric and complimented the skills demonstrated by the women.

Barwon push the ball up the right side of the pitch for Wells to have a shot. The strike goes wide giving the ball up. Ducks keeper Jacqui Denning kicks the ball long to a running Thompson who in turn opens up the forward area with a cross to Le Gow.  Le Gow is open for the shot and gets the shot past the goalie only to see the ball go just wide of the post. The attempt was the first positive attack for Deakin in the second half with the play executed by Denning looking like a set play.

Barwon forward Emma Rea was starting to dictate terms across the centre and was providing plenty of opportunities for her team mates. A long shot by Rea went high and wide of the net but signalled the intensity of the match. With less than 30 to go in the final Barwon looked to score from long range and just had to make something happen. A superb cross from Rea had Troop in scoring position and her strike looked to be going in until Ducks goalie Jacqui Denning at full stretch deflected the ball for a Barwon corner. Deakin was able to keep out the corner kick and attacked once again with a long kick down the right line. A solid strike by LeGow was deflected by the Barwon defence resulting in a Deakin corner. The corner was cleared by Barwon only to see the ball heading back into Ducks territory. An aggressive attack on the ball by Ducks player Amy de Hoog resulted in the games first and only red card. With 25 gone in the second half Deakin was 1 player down and needed to dig deep. For Barwon this was the opportunity they needed to firstly tie up the game and then win.

Deakin kept attacking and a pass from Johnston set up Gordon for a shot on goal that went wide of the post.  Barwon put the ball into play and a mix-up by the Deakin players gives Rea a perfect scoring opportunity in front of the goals. Her shot got past the Deakin goalie but just went wide to go down as a missed golden opportunity.

Ducks livewire Hannah Gordon found space down the right side and with some aggressive running put the ball into Thompson’s path heading into goal. An aggressive Barwon goalie gives up a yellow card and a penalty right in front. Le Gow takes the penalty but the strike is high. Play moves back and forward for the next 10 minutes with several attacks on the scoring zone. Pressure by the Barwon forwards results in a Deakin handball with a subsequent penalty kick. Fantastic strike by Wells clears the defenders and once again is deflected by a diving Denning stopping what looked to be a certain goal.

Yet another scoring opportunity created by Le Gow gets past the keeper looking for a Deakin deflection. None forthcoming and Barwon clear the ball.

Maddie Le Gow accepts her medal.

Into injury time and Barwon had not been able to capitalize on the extra player.

The whistle blows bringing the final to an end with the Deakin Ducks winning their first ever women’s final against a gallant Barwon FC.  Skills displayed by the women were exceptional which no doubt impressed Football Federation Victoria officials.

Ducks manager Graeme Semple congratulated firstly Barwon FC on their effort and then his team for the discipline and skills displayed throughout the day and more importantly throughout the season.

Ex Victorian State Junior baseballer and Barwon manager Dion Kirchner was extremely happy with his players.  Kirchner said “We played Deakin 2 weeks ago for the pennant and lost in a very close game. I said then that we would see them in 2 weeks”. He went on to say “I’m really proud of my players and it’s a credit to the club to have such a well-respected women’s team”.

Barwon coach Dion Kirchner addresses the crowd.

For the victors, celebrations will no doubt have commenced and are expected to run well into tomorrow where the clubs Division 1 men’s teams are up against the Geelong Ranges.

Images from the final.

Deakin Juggernaut Keeps Rollin On

By Mark Humphrey

Not to be outdone by the women’s team the Deakin Ducks Division 1 men’s team stormed into the FFV Geelong region grand final with a strong 2-0 win over season leaders Barwon FC. Deakin Ducks celebrate their semi final win.

After finishing the season on top of the ladder it was expected that Barwon would advance to the grand final with a win over 4^th placed Deakin Ducks FC in today's semi final..

10 minutes into the knockout semi Deakin were awarded a penalty.  Striker Colby Hart put the ball into the back of the net to give the Ducks an early lead. Deakin held on to the advantage into the break.

Second half action had the Ducks immediately attacking the Barwon defence. Barwon through some good defensive work continually kept the ducks out and even instigated some of their own attacking plays.

8 minutes into the second half and Deakin forward Tristan Gutteridge found some clear territory in his half after a clearing kick from defence. Some excellent ball control followed by a positive strike from Gutteridge gave Deakin their second goal of the game giving them a strangle hold on the game.

Tristan Gutteridge celebrates his goal with team mates.

With 30 gone in the second half Deakin player Jack Vanwren was given a yellow as the intensity started to lift by both sides. For the loser the season was over. Barwon was attacking on all levels and a shot on goals 5 minutes later went wide. Barwon produced yet another scoring opportunity within a 10 minute period but once again the Deakin defence held firm denying Barwon clear access to the goals.

A corner to Barwon with 5 minutes to go seemed to be their last opportunity to get into the match. Deakin defended the cross and cleared the ball setting up their own scoring opportunity which went wide.

Barwon tried everything in the last minutes of the game having several long range shots to try and get on the board without any success. The whistle blew bringing down the curtain for the ladder leaders Barwon FC who although not advancing to the final still had a magnificent year finishing the regular season on top of the ladder.

Barwon kept attacking the goals all match.

For the victors Deakin, they now join their division 1 women’s team in the big dance next week at Myers Reserve against the winner of the Geelong Rangers / Bellarine Sharks game.

"Dig a hole - dig a hole - dig a hole" Jokingly the Pond Squad would sing this chorus when an opposition player went down. Nothing to be heard when a Deakin player goes down.

And for the “Pond Cheer Squad” a big weekend awaits them with 2 division 1 teams in the grand final.

Deakin's "Pond Squad" definitely adds great atmosphere to the game.

Action shots from today's game.

Barwon FC supporters  cheering on their team and the season they have had.

Deakin University FC First Into Div 1 Women’s Final.

By Mark Humphrey

A dominate display by Deakin University over Surf Coast FC  guaranteed them a spot in the FFV Geelong region division 1 women’s grand final to be played at Myers Reserve next Saturday.

Deakin Ducks Div 1 Women's Team.

Having finished on top of the ladder after the regular season Deakin Ducks went into the knock-out semi against 4^th placed Surf Coast as the red hot favourite.

Captain Rachael Thompson returned to the side after a 10 week lay-off due to injury to rally her troops from the out-set.

Ducks captain Rachael Thompson

It wasn’t long before Deakin had opened their scoring account to set the scene for the day. Surfside’s first goal come after 3 Deakin shots had found the back of the nets. By half time the contest was virtually over with Deakin holding onto a 5-1 lead.

Home team the Deakin Ducks had solid support 

The second half started out in much the same way as the first half with Deakin putting one into the back of the net to lead 6-1. Although Surf Coast had created several scoring opportunities in the second half they could only manage one goal and eventually went down to Deakin Ducks 7-2.

Rachael Thompson scores Deakin's 7th goal.

Deakin advanced to their first ever women’s grand final and will meet the winner of the Breakwater Eagles FC v Barwon FC semi.

Action from the Deakin v Surf Coast game.

It was a good day for the yellow & black.

SURFSIDE WAVES SOCCER CLUB ANNOUNCEMENT

Surfside Waves Soccer Club are delighted to announce that they have secured home/away, male/female changing rooms for the Shell Road Sporting complex.  The portable change room unit has been available for some time and the club has been overwhelmed by an offer from a local anonymous benefactor who has offered to loan the club the $15,000 required to secure the unit on an interest free basis. The unit is a 2008 re-locatable  40FT X 10FT site hut.  The newly acquired change facilities will be available to ALL Surfside Waves soccer players for use after training and after games that are held at Shell Road Reserve.

Club officials could not contain their joy at this wonderful offer and are keen to have the unit delivered as soon as details can be arranged in conjunction with the City of Greater Geelong.  Surfside Waves Soccer Club would dearly like to thank the benefactor sincerely and from the bottom of their heart for this wonderful offer of an interest free loan; and totally respect their wish for anonymity.  Terms have been agreed for repayment and the club are keen to fund-raise specifically for payback of this loan. Plans are underway as we speak to organise some great local fundraising.

Club spokesperson Cath Sattler said "we are absolutely thrilled to bits with this news, we have lost so many families through having nowhere for players to get out of their wet and muddy kit after training and games, we are delighted to be able to finally offer all of our players a place to get changed with dignity"

Club president Ian Waugh and Secretary Gill Black are grinning from ear to ear as they eagerly make plans with the City of Greater Geelong regarding the location of the new change rooms.

The club would like to thank the hundreds of people who have given them such tremendous support; from local supporters who have had previously no involvement with soccer, to current and past players and parents, to the local media, the Geelong Regional Football Committee, Sarah Henderson, Football Federation Victoria, City of Greater Geelong, and numerous other soccer clubs in the Geelong Region. We owe a huge debt of thanks to all of you for your continued support.